Weekend Wheels: 2015 Nissan Juke, best of 2 worlds

As in previous years, the 2015 Juke offers sporty performance to match its distinctive style.

Since its launch in 2011, the Nissan Juke has stood out from the crowd with its fiercely sculpted headlights and hood, muscular lines, hidden rear door-handles and fluid rear-hatchback design.

For 2015, Juke’s bold style is enhanced with new front and rear features that further push the boundaries of its signature premium and sporty performance cues.

While keeping its same dimensions and aggressive stance as previous years, the 2015 Juke offers a fresh front-end look with its projector beam headlights and LED front Signature Accent Lamps. The grille incorporates the new Nissan V-Motion design, while a more robust trim beneath the bumper adds to its sporty presence.

The side rearview mirrors add standard integrated LED turn signal repeaters. The redesigned rear zone features a more aggressive shape to match the revised boomerang taillights with LED accents.

Comfort and convenience enhancements for the new model year include RearView Monitor and NissanConnect — including a 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, streaming audio via Bluetooth and hands-free text messaging assistant.

The 2015 Nissan Juke sport cross fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful turbo engine, with the best aspects of an SUV — such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, confident stance and available all-wheel drive.

The 2015 Juke’s interior is equally aggressive, combining bold design with traditional hatchback functionality. As in previous years, the sporty, bolstered front bucket seats – available in a choice of fabric or leather appointments – frame the unique motorcycle tank-inspired center console, which is finished in high-gloss paint. The gearshift sits high on the console, inspired by sports car driver/shifter positioning. In the rear is a 60/40-split fold-down bench seat.

Another popular element of the Juke interior, the Integrated Control, or ICON, system drive mode selector, continues for 2015. The ICON system offers three different throttle/transmission/steering response settings — “Normal” for everyday driving, “Sport” for a more intense performance feel and “Eco” for maximum efficiency. It adjusts throttle, transmission and steering feel for the precise performance the driver desires.

The Juke’s interior again offers ample roominess and space for five adults. The combination of the fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provides passenger and cargo hauling flexibility.

As in previous years, the 2015 Juke offers sporty performance to match its distinctive style. Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, Juke looks exactly like it drives – fun, bold and exciting.

Fuel economy has been increased for 2015 by 1 mpg city and combined for Juke front-wheel drive models to 28/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined; and by 1 mpg city, highway and combined for Juke all-wheel drive models — now 26/31/28 mpg respectively.

The 2015 Nissan Juke sport cross is offered in six models — S, SV and Nismo — and is available at all Nissan dealerships in Puerto Rico. Suggested retail prices for the Juke range from $25,200 to $31,000.